Nonprofit human services organization helping individuals with disabilities or disadvantages reach their full potential.
Board of
directors
Shangri-La's board of directors, as a governing body for the organization, is a group of volunteers that oversee the organization's mission, support the CEO, aid in high-level planning, monitor program health, ensure adequate financial resources, and provide financial oversight.
Michael kemry
President
Michael is a Realtor and Property Manager with Harcourts Silverton and the owner of Willamette Workspace, a co-working office in Keizer. His lifelong connection to the disability community, beginning with his parents serving as foster parents and later managing a 24-hour residential care home, led him to join Shangri-La’s board in December 2017.
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Michael brings leadership experience and a deep understanding of disability services to his role, helping advance Shangri-La’s mission to support individuals with disabilities and disadvantages
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Jake French
Vice President
Jake French is a seasoned professional speaker with experience presenting to associations, education districts, and service groups dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges. His work has given him a broad perspective on what people need and how to unite communities toward shared goals.
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Jake holds a BS from the University of Idaho and previously served as President of the National Speakers Association’s Oregon Chapter. As a quadriplegic, Jake understands firsthand the life-changing impact of strong support systems, fueling his commitment to advocacy and empowerment.
Jan Frank
Secretary
Jan Frank brings a strong financial background to Shangri-La’s board, drawing on her experience as an accountant and retired tax consultant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and currently serves as Children’s Pastor and Bookkeeper at Dayspring Fellowship, as well as a consultant for West & East Salem Ace Hardware.
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Invited by a former board member to contribute her expertise, Jan is passionate about using her skills to support Shangri-La’s mission. She re-joined the board in April 2020.
Nick Bender
Treasurer
Nick is an IT project management contractor for the Bonneville Power Administration and a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He brings global experience from five years of establishing and managing the international office of a U.S. software company in Hangzhou, China.
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Since joining Shangri-La’s board in July 2013, Nick has focused on ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability through strategic planning and oversight.
James Kimsey
Member
James is the owner of Oregon Mobility Solutions, a company dedicated to providing accessible vehicles and mobility assistive devices. His commitment to service is reflected in his past roles with the U.S. Civil Air Patrol and as a reserve police officer for the City of Forest Grove.
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James joined Shangri-La’s board in June 2022, driven by a passion for learning and giving back. He believes in embracing new experiences and challenges to grow personally and professionally, and in using that knowledge to serve others with a heart of generosity.
winifred Skinner
Member
Winifred Skinner is a policy analyst with expertise in government systems, Medicaid distribution, and the Oregon legislative process. Her career includes experience as a case manager supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration to community life.
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Motivated by personal connections to individuals with disabilities, she is passionate about contributing to nonprofits that empower people with serious mental illness and other disadvantages.
Bri Gridley
Member
Bri brings over a decade of experience in information technology to Shangri-La’s board and currently serves as Technical Service Delivery Manager with the Oregon State Treasury. A former director at Shangri-La, Bri has a strong understanding of the organization’s programs and the communities it serves.
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Her personal commitment to supporting neurodivergent family members and those with mental health diagnoses fuels her passion for advancing Shangri-La’s mission. Bri joined the board in June 2023.
Brian Kalar
Member
Bryan brings extensive expertise in information security and systems to Shangri-La’s board. He currently serves as Director of Cybersecurity at Nike and is an Emerging Leaders PDX mentor, with additional experience coaching youth sports.
Motivated by a strong commitment to community service and personal experience supporting a family member on the autism spectrum, Bryan joined the board in June 2023. His goal is to leverage his leadership skills and technical knowledge to help create opportunities and strengthen Shangri-La’s mission.
Ryan Tribbett
Member
Ryan is the owner of Pac/West Lobby Group, where he leads a team of bipartisan, issue-based lobbyists. With expertise in government affairs, strategic planning, and marketing, Ryan serves on multiple local boards and is passionate about workforce and professional development.
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As the grandson of Vance and Shirley Tribbett, a Shangri-La founding family, Ryan joined the board in June 2024 to honor his family’s legacy and help expand the organization’s reach. His goal is to strengthen Shangri-La’s mission and continue its impact on the community.
maribel mendez
Member
Maribel joined Shangri-La’s board in October 2023, bringing a unique blend of expertise in speech pathology, professional experience in data science, and a passion for building strong, inclusive communities.
Her bilingual and bicultural background informs her commitment to ensuring services are culturally appropriate and accessible, helping all individuals reach their fullest potential.